28 Jun 2023 Dual PMAG wiring
Frequently, discussion comes up about how to wire the PMAGs or which switches to use. I thought I would share my design and implementation. I use 3 switches, wired like this diagram. They are...
Engines
02 Oct 2021 Compression test photos – 2021-08
Some pictures of my compression test results from the condition inspection in August 2021. Mike Busch says that compression alone is not really that helpful, since the same cylinder can test with low compression...
24 Dec 2020 Heat Shield – home made
Some photos of a heat shield I added to the exhaust near the exit. That area was very hot, and starting to discolor the inside of the cowl. I also added high heat...
27 Sep 2020 Flow divider testing and fixing
I've got one cylinder that has low EGT at idle, and one possible cause is a clogged injector or low flow to the cylinder at idle. I checked the flow as recommended by Airflow...
29 Dec 2019 Engine cooling shroud
I want to break in the engine on the ground and it's recommended to use a cooling shroud to keep the temperatures under control. I needed some sheet metal, and didn't want to dip...
09 Dec 2019 EI Commander and p-mags
The EI Commander monitors and can allow the pmags to be programmed. I originally set it to the following parameters. RPM max:2816 ADV max: 33.6 (don't use this value, see below, use 32.2) ADV shf: -1.4 Instructions on the...
11 Nov 2018 Tips from Mahlon on leaking crankshaft seal
http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=164655 If you have a chronic nose seal weep that leaks between the seal and the shaft a good remedy is to helix the shaft per CM sb M74-6. Its not a Lycoming SB but the theory...
06 Sep 2012 Vetterman exhaust and Airflow Performance FM-200
I installed the FM200 throttle today along with the Vetterman exhaust. Both went on very easily, and are really good quality. They are on "provisionally" as I expect they may need to come off again...
05 Sep 2012 holes to identify in the engine
I have 14 holes that I needed to identify in the engine. A couple hours after posting on VAF (http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?t=90628) I had all the info! 1. Temperature sensor 2. goes to the top of the oil cooler 3....
16 Nov 2010 Propeller arrived
My Hartzell C2YR-1BFP/F74972 constant speed propeller arrived along with my FWF kit, and a few other goodies. The box on skateboards - they are useful for more than just breaking your arm. The packing didn't really seem...
09 Aug 2010 New engine on order
Finally, I've ordered the new engine. It has been a long time since I've done anything with the project - about 5 years. I ordered a Mattituck TMXIO-360 with roller tappets, a forward facing sump, Airflow...
29 May 2008 Eggenfellner Subaru STI for sale
Update: 20210918 I ended up removing the Eggenfellner Subaru engine and replacing it with a Lycoming. Any post that references the Eggenfellner or the Subaru should be there only as an example of what not...
12 May 2008 Oil Pickup Screen
The Oil Pickup screen in the engine must be checked and cleaned regularly. Your Lycoming O-360 Operators Manual tells you to clean the screen every 100 hrs in Section 8. http://www.vansairforce.com/community/showthread.php?p=222246 http://www.avweb.com/news/savvyaviator/savvy_aviator_57_making_metal_197700-1.html Here are the critical bits of info: Screen,...
14 Jul 2006 Aircraft silencers and mufflers
Update: 20210918 I ended up removing the Eggenfellner Subaru engine and replacing it with a Lycoming. Any post that references the Eggenfellner or the Subaru should be there only as an example of what not...
08 Jul 2006 Intake air temperature sensor
The intake air temperature sensor was mounted in the right radiator shroud, but needed to be moved to the intake just after the intercooler. This is so that the correct intake temperature is measured. The move...
18 Apr 2006 Alternator Belt Tension
From Vern Little on the Van's Air Force website: Belt deflection is an unreliable method of tightening the belt. Instead, use a torque wrench on the pulley nut and adjust the tension so that you get about...
16 Apr 2006 Fuel pressure manifold
Here's what I used to hook up the fuel pressure sender and the fuel pressure switch. I got this manifold from Aircraft Spruce. The rest is standard aviation stuff. ...
31 Mar 2006 Fuel system pressure test
To test the fuel system, I hooked up some fittings between the intake and return fuel lines just outside the fuselage. I put a + on there, with the "schrader" valve that comes with the...
17 Mar 2006 Cooling system plumbing shots
These are just some random shots of the cooling system plumbing. Looking up from the bottom center to the left. Black corrugated split loom hose cover is over the hose that returns from the cabin heater. Looking...
12 Mar 2006 First engine start
I started my engine this afternoon. It took about two seconds of pressing the start button, and it fired right up. Nice little rumble. Very smooth. I used my wife's camera to take some video, but...
09 Mar 2006 Coolant tank – version 3
I hope this is the final version of the coolant tank. This is the second one I had built at Canton Racing (http://www.cantonracing.com/), and it is as nice as the first one. The first one...
07 Mar 2006 Fuel pressure bleed valve
Update 20210918: I didn't install the Eggenfellner Subaru engine, so any post that references that can be ignored or used as a cautionary tale about how to avoid wasting many years and $50k. Here are a...
01 Mar 2006 Boost control wastegate
The supercharger needs some method of boost control. Originally, this was going to be electronic, but for a variety of reasons we're going with a manual boost control, or wastegate. The boost control will be next...
27 Feb 2006 ECU mounting to airframe
The ECU box needs to be mounted somewhere cool, dry, and somewhat isolated from vibration. The massive wiring bundle does not leave a lot of slack, so finding the best place to mount it is...
22 Feb 2006 Custom intercooler hump hose
The standard 3" hump hose that came with the kit was not quite long enough. Unfortunately, the 2.75" diameter hump hose only comes in 3" lengths. I really wanted a 4" length, so I found...